Living Free - Sept. 27, 2013

"Give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect." - Romans 12:1-2 NLT

Thoughts for Today

As you believe and obey God's truth, He will help you develop godly behavior patterns.

It is interesting to trace our family tree and even do generational behavior studies; however, freedom comes first by receiving Christ as Savior and following Him. To live a life free from enslaving hand-me-downs, it is imperative to walk out God's behavior patterns—and we can only do that with His help.

Consider this …

A person who receives Christ as Savior should immediately enter a discipleship process to deal with hand-me-downs. Some people who have been a Christian for years still carry the baggage of hand-me-downs. They also need discipleship. God has boundaries that, when observed, bring His love and blessing. An accountability partner or godly mentor can help through this time.

Christ-centered support groups that provide both support and accountability can also help people struggling with hand-me-downs. The group's focus should be on Christ, and the curriculum should emphasize biblical principles of behavior.

Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near. Hebrews 10:24-25 NLT

Prayer

Father, thank you that my sins have been forgiven through Jesus. Help me with the walk. Help me leave behind my sinful hand-me-down behaviors and develop behavior patterns that are pleasing to you. Help me find the right individuals to teach me and guide me through this process. In Jesus' name . . .

These thoughts were drawn from …

Understanding the Times and Knowing What to Do by Dr. Jimmy Ray Lee. This book offers biblical strategies for ministry to our family and friends. Contemporary issues and needs faced by society are addressed with biblical principles that are timeless. Ideal for small group leaders and Sunday school teachers who want a better understanding of ministry in an addictive culture.